Just wanted to drop a few about myself. I'm new to Portland, well as of 2 years ago. We moved up here from Texas for a change of pace. What a change...
I'm a happily married father of 4 kids. Work in Gresham, live in Hillsboro. I was diagnosed with heart disease about 18 months ago and am in good health as of now. I eat my meds, somewhat watch what I eat(getting better. I'm a redneck that eats meat) The doc says I need to lose some weight. Due to spurs in my heels I cannot walk much or jog....or run(laughing to myself). So I decided to get a bike and ride my way to health. I'll get there. In Texas we had 4 seasons. December, January, February, and Summer. The 4 seasons here are somewhat different. There is a lot of water stuff coming from the sky and some occasional white, frozen stuff.....well, it's not Texas riding. Like I said, I'll get there.
I have picked up a lot on this forum and look forward to learning the spots and trails.

I'm getting some lights this weekend. By the time I get home, I'm no longer legal to ride and the wife says no to an indoor trainer(dang, they're expensive..). I'll get some slick tires for the MTB for the road. I found out I lack the stamina to hang on the trails in TSF. Even got a little attitude from some punk on a trail. I laughed at him, he threatened, I got off my bike, he rode off. I thought so. All bark, no bite. I'm normally a down to earth fellow, but that stuff don't work for me. Rather than running his head, he could have given me some useful advice or something of that nature. He almost took the fun out of getting out. Hope I ruined his day. He didn't ruin mine. My lack of stamina did it for me.

All legal now. Got my lights, spare tubes, patch kit, gloves, computer and shorts on back order. Being on a budget, I got what I could afford(not much with 4 kids). Since getting the bike, I've lost 13 lbs. I quit dipping snuff, eat better and almost dont drink anymore. Welcome to the new me.